The Deteriorating German View of Israel: A Shift in Public Opinion
Germans Growing More Skeptical Toward Israel's Policies
Taking a closer look at the current status, it's evident that the image of Israel among Germans has seen a stark decline over the past four years. The survey conducted by the Bertelsmann Foundation reveals that German sentiment towards Israel's government is far more critical compared to a few years back[1].
While the relationship between Germany and Israel dates back six decades, the sentiment among Germans has significantly soured. The new survey shows that only 36% of respondents currently hold a positive view of Israel. Conversely, 38% harbor a negative view – a noticeable shift when compared to 2021, when 46% expressed a positive opinion[1].
Israel's Perspective on Germany Remains Positive
In stark contrast, Israelis maintain predominantly positive views of Germany and its government[1]. This shift in mutual perception underlines the complex and ever-evolving nature of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Rickety Foundations of Relationship
In addition to the divergence in perception, the survey also indicates a worrying rise in classic anti-Semitism, particularly among the youth in Germany[1]. Additionally, anti-Semitic attitudes have risen to their highest levels in years, with 27% of respondents harboring such beliefs[1][2].
Demand for Closer Cooperation
Despite the negative sentiments, more than two-thirds (68%) of Germans surveyed would like to see closer cooperation between the nations, while only a quarter (24%) of Israelis feel the same way[1].
A Glimpse into the Past
Although the aftermath of World War II continues to shape the German and Israeli diasporas, the significance attached to this shared history varies remarkably. While 32% of Germans surveyed reject drawing a line under the past, contrastingly, 62% of Israelis view it as relevant[1].
Education Level and Party Affiliation Divides
The survey points to notable differences depending on education level, with only 25% of Germans with low education rejecting drawing a line under the Holocaust's past, compared to 41% of those with higher education[1].
Party affiliations also play a role, as 63% of AfD supporters showed a willingness to draw a line under the past, whereas this figure drops to 14% among supporters of the Greens[1].
A Special Responsibility?
Interestingly, 64% of Israelis believe that Germany has a special responsibility towards the Jewish people and the State of Israel. However, this sentiment is not widely shared among Germans, with only about one-third feeling responsible towards the Jewish people, and an even smaller number (around one-quarter) regarding the State of Israel[1].
[1] ntv.de, toh/dpa
The survey, commissioned by the Bertelsmann Foundation, interviewed 1,346 adults in Germany and 1,367 in Israel between February 24 and March 25, 2025.
Keywords: Israel, Anti-Semitism, Holocaust, Germany
Community policy and general-news discussions revolve around the deteriorating sentiments towards Israel in Germany, as revealed by the Bertelsmann Foundation survey conducted in 2025. Contrarily, Israel's employment policy reflects a predominantly positive view of Germany and its government. Yet, a concerning increase in anti-Semitism among the German youth, especially among those with lower education levels and certain party affiliations, is highlighted. Although many Israelis believe Germany has a special responsibility towards the Jewish people and Israel, this sentiment is not as widespread among Germans themselves. The divergence in these preferences, coupled with the rise in anti-Semitic views, raises questions about the future of relations between Germany and Israel.
